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Line-out ability is my back-row edge – Lions’ Chessum

By in News, Sports News
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Mike Henson
BBC Sport rugby union news reporter
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Ollie Chessum says he is relishing his opportunity in the back row as the versatile England forward zeros in on a spot in the British and Irish Lions Test squad.

Chessum started at blindside flanker in the 36-24 win over the Brumbies on Wednesday, scoring a try after 14 minutes and narrowly missing out on another as he was held up over the line late on.

Only two of his 28 Test appearances for England have been back-row starts, but the 24-year-old – more usually a second row – says his set-piece experience is an advantage over his rivals for a place in the squad for the 19 July series opener against Australia.

“But all sorts really. I think that when I get the ball in my hands on the edges I can make a real difference. Playing six frees you up to be both on the edge and in the middle.

“I have had to work at it, but since I have been 20 or 21 I have played in and around the back row at Leicester.

“I have had hints of it with England – with the players we have there it works nicely in a bit of rotation. I do really enjoy it.

“The coaches have been great with me because obviously we have not had that much time to prepare and train so they have freed me up and let me go to work.

Ollie Chessum in action at a line-outGetty Images

The win over the Brumbies marked Chessum’s first back-row start for the Lions. He came off the bench and into the second row against the Western Force and started at lock against Queensland Reds.

He also finished the match in Canberra in the second row, swapping in after Henry Pollock replaced Joe McCarthy just before the hour.

Head coach Andy Farrell has emphasised the importance of players’ versatility to ensure his side can adapt tactically and cover injuries during the game.

The Lions have also prioritised having a line-out jumper in the back row on recent tours with Courtney Lawes starting all three Tests in South Africa in 2021 and Peter O’Mahony captaining the side in the first Test against New Zealand four years earlier.

Some observers have pegged the fixtures against the Brumbies – the strongest Australian province in this year’s Super Rugby competition – as a dry run for Farrell’s Test line-up.

However, Chessum says that with another warm-up game to come against an invitational Australia and New Zealand XV in Adelaide on Saturday – and the hectic schedule leading into the first Test on 19 July – he is taking every day as it comes.

“I don’t know what to expect!” he said of the series opener in Brisbane.

“These past two weeks has been an absolute blur. You play a game, you are on a flight, we land in the next city, we have a captains’ run and then we are playing again.

“It has been really enjoyable but, as far as what is to come next weekend, as a squad we will see where we want to take the game.

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  • British & Irish Lions
  • Rugby Union

Djokovic Eyes Wimbledon History, Wounded Sinner In Spotlight

By in News, sport-news

Novak Djokovic can make Wimbledon history in his quarter-final against Flavio Cobolli, while his title rival Jannik Sinner must banish fears over an elbow injury when he faces Ben Shelton on Wednesday.

Djokovic, the seven-time champion, and world number one Sinner will book a blockbuster semi-final showdown if they win their last eight matches.

But before that heavyweight showdown is secured, both Djokovic and Sinner have pressing issues to resolve.

Djokovic will pass Roger Federer to take sole ownership of the all-time record for most Wimbledon men’s semi-final appearances if he advances to the last four for the 14th time.

The Serb is bidding to become the second man in the Open era to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals aged 38 or older after Ken Rosewall, who made that stage aged 39 in 1974.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion is also aiming to reach a record extending 52nd major semi-final.

That would take him within two wins of breaking his tie with Margaret Court for the most Grand Slam singles titles by a man or woman.

Success at Wimbledon has been child’s play for Djokovic, who has reached the final in every one of his appearances since 2018.

But it was a new experience for the sixth seed to watch his son Stefan take to the court against his quarter-final opponent this week.

Cobolli and Djokovic are good friends, so the Serb was delighted to see the Italian 22nd seed practice with his 10-year-old.

“They hit a few days ago. They played some points.Obviously, he loves tennis. He has everyone’s signature, except mine. But that’s okay, I’ll accept that! Djokovic said.

“I’ll have a conversation with my son and see what he has noticed in the game of Cobolli.”

READ ALSO: Wimbledon Line Technology Fails Again As Fritz Reaches Semis

 Sinner concern

Italy’s Jannik Sinner plays a forehand return to Spain’s Pedro Martinez during their men’s singles third round tennis match on the sixth day of the 2025 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 5, 2025. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)

Sinner sparked fears he may have to pull out of the tournament after injuring his right elbow in an awkward fall during his fourth-round tie against Grigor Dimitrov.

The Italian top seed was trailing by two sets and on the brink of a shock defeat when Dimitrov pulled a pectoral muscle while serving and had to retire from the match.

Sinner subsequently cancelled a scheduled practice session at the All England Club on Tuesday after undergoing an MRI scan on the injury.

He is due to face American 10th seed Shelton later on Wednesday, when all eyes will be on the three-time Grand Slam champion’s fitness.

The 23-year-old beat Shelton in straight-sets in the Wimbledon fourth round last year and also eliminated him in this year’s Australian Open semi-finals.

Sinner, who has never made the Wimbledon final, is bidding to make history by becoming the first Italian player to reach the last four at the All England Club multiple times.

Shelton, eyeing a third Grand Slam semi-final at just 22, has already surpassed dad and coach Bryan, who reached the Wimbledon last 16 here 31 years ago.

In the women’s tournament, Mirra Andreeva is the youngest Wimbledon women’s quarter-finalist since 2007.

Under the wing of former Wimbledon winner Conchita Martinez, the Russian seventh seed has breezed impressively through the first four rounds without dropping a set.

But Andreeva faces former Olympic champion Belinda Bencic, who is enjoying her best ever Wimbledon just over a year after giving birth.

“I’m fighting with everything I have on the court, I still want to win very badly but it’s much different now,” Bencic said.

A five-time Grand Slam champion, Iga Swiatek has conquered her demons on the grass by reaching her second Wimbledon quarter-final on the back of her first final on the surface at Bad Homburg.

Her last eight opponent, Russian world number 19 Liudmila Samsonova, has won two of her five WTA titles on grass.

Flash floods in US kill at least three in New Mexico mountain town

By in News, World News

Authorities claim that at least three people died in flash floods in New Mexico after more than 100 people were killed by devastating floods in Texas.

The Rio Ruidoso river swelled 20 feet (6 meters), surpassing the previous record by five feet (1. 5 meters), according to municipal officials in the town of Ruidoso on Tuesday afternoon.

Mayor Lynn Crawford issued a news release expressing her heartfelt condolences for the families who lost loved ones in this terrible tragedy. In this incredibly difficult time, the entire Village of Ruidoso extends its deepest sympathies and compassion to these families. As we deal with this devastating loss together, we are all united in our grief and our unwavering support for one another.

State authorities claim that at least 85 swift water rescues have been carried out so far, including those who are trapped in homes and vehicles, while search and rescue efforts are ongoing. The state of Texas is recovering from devastating floods that left more than 100 people dead and more than 160 people missing as a result of the incident.

A house is swept away by muddy, surging floodwater in dramatic New Mexico footage.

I’ve watched the video,” he declared. The New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management spokeswoman Danielle Silva. “We don’t know if anyone was in the house.”

Ruidoso, a mountain resort town 180 miles (290 km) south of Albuquerque’s state capital, claims burn scars from the previous year’s Salt Fork and Salt wildfires made the flooding worse.

Silva noted that “we know that the water levels appeared to be higher than they were last summer.” There is a significant flow of water throughout, some of it in freshwater basins that weren’t affected by the floods last year.

Areas that have experienced wildfires and vegetation loss are frequently more prone to erosion and are significantly more vulnerable to flash floods, especially if they are steep or hilly.

A temporary shelter, according to the city, has been set up for displaced residents.

More than 160 people are still missing in Texas after four days of flash floods that swept through several counties resulted in the removal of several thousand dollars in mud and debris.

Charlie’s Angel icon joins Meryl Streep and Emily Blunt in Devil Wears Prada 2 cast

By in Entertainment News, News

Devil Wears Prada 2 is making headlines for its come-back cast, but its not just our favourites. Charlie’s Angel, Pauline Chalamet, Timmy’s sister, and this Bridgerton star are said to appear too

Not only is this Charli’s Angel joining Devil Wears Prada 2, rumours say Bridgerton’s sweetheart is too(Image: Barry Wetcher)

Charlie’s Angels actress Lucy Liu is confirmed to join the new cast of Devil Wears Prada sequel, and following in her footsteps is a rumour we hope comes true – that Bridgerton’s leading star could be cast too.

With an impressive CV of stunning looks over the decades, film star and Charlie’s Angel Liu is set to join the already impressive cast made up of Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly; Y2K’s sweetheart Anne Hathaway as Andy Sachs; Emily Blunt as Emily Charlton; and Stanley Tucci as Nigel Kipling.

Liu’s famed roles range from blockbuster hit Kill Bill to 2002’s Chicago musical. Her presence in fashion can be sampled by her Midas-touched Marchesa gown at the Red One carpet in 2024, to the embellished red look of dreams – a showstopper from the Oscars, 2000. Safe to say, Lucy Liu belongs in the fictional world of Runway.

Lucy Liu attends the
Lucy Liu is now a confirmed cast member of Devil Wears Prada 2(Image: Getty Images for Tribeca Festiva)

READ MORE: Bridgerton heartthrob to star in steamy Netflix drama set in prestigious UK university

Shockingly, many fans of the original have shared their distaste to Liu’s inclusion. One Reddit user wrote: “There are too many famous people in this movie already. It’s giving He’s Just Not That into You, or Valentine’s Day”.

Another user declared “they’re gonna ruin this movie,” talking of the Hollywood stars now confirmed as cast. A third agreed, adding the sequel now “looks like a cash grabbing scam with so many A listers”.

For more stories like this subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Weekly Gulp, for a curated roundup of trending stories, poignant interviews, and viral lifestyle picks from The Mirror’s Audience U35 team delivered straight to your inbox.

With the sister of the internet’s (and Kylie Jenner’s) boyfriend, Pauline Chalamet, also being signed in to production, rumours have been circulation of other up-and-coming actresses joining Prada’s ranks – fan favourite being none other than Netflix’s Viscountess Bridgerton.

Feasibly Bridgerton’s most popular lead, talks of Simone Ashley entering Miranda Priestley’s stratosphere are more than a hushed whisper. Deadline reports sources have confirmed Lady Kathani (Kate) Bridgerton is leaving the Ton for New York’s fashion capital.

Simone Ashley celebrates the European Premiere of Apple Original Films' and Warner Bros. Pictures'
Simone Ashley is rumoured to join Devil Wears Prada 2 – is she the representation the sequel needs(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for App)

Recently making headlines for F1, the actress is a current PR jackpot for new films after featuring in Disney’s The Little Mermaid as Indira and Olivia Hanan in Sex Education.

Devil Wears Prada 2 will be a response to the current decline in print publishing, said to trail Priestley’s career as she now faces the alleged death of traditional magazine publishing as she knew it. Variety states that Blunt’s Emily now a high-up executive for a luxury group will shift the power balance by means of advertising dollars that Miranda needs to survive.

The film is set to hit cinemas on May 1, 2026.

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